The Candy Corn Chronicles

The End is Nigh....

2012-02-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Or is it?
No, I'm not referring to any 'End of the World' prophesies. I'm talking about the end of this blog.

I started this blog as a place to talk about my art. It then evolved into something much more. A place to showcase Art on Sundays. A place to meet up for walks in the Woodes. A place to write about the odd and the unusual. A place to have fun.

But lately, Life has taken the fun out of me. It has drained my Soul and my Creativity. I felt that my Muse would never return to me. And truthfully, I wasn't sure that wanted my Muse to return. I was planning on ending this blog. But sometimes the Universe has other ideas. Other plans for us.

Those plans have appeared in the form of a wedding. The wedding of my youngest son to a wonderful woman. And my soon to be Daughter-In-Law has honored me by including me in the design ideas for the Wedding Reception. AND I have been asked to make the Wedding Cake! My DIL has great faith in me.
So the Universe would not leave me to brood. It has drug me out of the gloom which had engulfed me. And while the dark clouds still hang overhead, they are not as heavy as they once were. The Universe always has a way of restoring the balance.

And so I am off to commune with Nature, to try and connect with the Spirits that once danced with me and my dreams, to touch the pulse of Life. So this blog will continue - there are more tales to tell, more art to be viewed, more walks to be taken in the WildWoods.

The Art of Regine Ramseier

2012-01-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

The Art of Regine Ramseier

Click Here to see more of her amazing work!

It's well worth the trip!

Cat Tales ~ Internships

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sylvester aspires to be like Me.

He is now trying out various internships so that he might become a Catrepreneur like Me!

He tried a job as a clothes press in Mommy's drawer.

But Mommy fussed at him!

Sylvester tried to be a bookmark.

But Mommy fussed at him again!

Next he tried to look pretty like the centerpiece on the table.

But Mommy fussed at him some more!

Me thinks Sylvester should try out for CATHOUSE magazine!

He'd make a great model.

Purz and Catnip Dreams ..... Gomez

The Art of Sticker Placement

2012-01-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

At Long Last!

2012-01-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

There is a show about the FAE!

And Thank You to our wonderful neighbors to the North for this series!

The show, Lost Girl, airs on Monday nights on the Syfy channel.

Cat Tales ~ More Catrepreneurship

2012-01-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

Me took the profits Me made from Me's burrito business and invested it.
(Read about Me's first business HERE!)

Me's Financial Advisor told Me to di-ver-si-fy.

Me should be rolling in Catnip in the near future!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Laurel Roth

2012-01-15T01:30:00.001-07:00

The Art of Laurel Roth

Be sure to visit her website to see what unique items she uses in her artwork!

Dillon Cemetery

2012-01-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Before we head to Dillon Cemetery, let me give you a bit of history about Dillon Reservoir (often called Lake Dillon) and the town which sits on its shore - Dillon, Colorado.This large body of water plays an important part in the history of Dillon Cemetery.

Dillon Reservoir was originally a small, naturally-formed mountain lake. In 1956, the Denver Water Board decided that high mountain water storage was needed for the water demands of the growing city of Denver. The decision was made to enlarge this small mountain lake to create the needed water reserve. In 1961 the Dillon Dam was completed and the small lake grew to the massive reservoir seen today.

The growth of the reservoir flooded the original town of Dillon - which can still be seen under the west side of the lake - and the Dillon Cemetery. The town relocated to its present location and has continued to grow over the years. The cemetery was relocated to a nearby hillside.

The original Dillon Cemetery was established in 1885 and was the only graveyard patented under federal law. Interred in the cemetery are many who were important to the development of the area - drivers for the High Line Stage Coach Route, miners, sawmill workers, blacksmiths, county officials, and railroad personnel - to name just a few.

Looking South at Dillon Cemetery entrance

Looking North at entrance from inside cemetery

The Dillon Cemetery is in a beautiful setting and is heavily treed. Many old tombstones can be found but just as many headstones are duplicates of the originals. And yes, the graveyard is still in use today. Tours of the cemetery are given during the summer months. I do believe I shall be in attendance when the weather warms up!

Name is carved into a rock

A Brief Ski (NOT) Getaway

2012-01-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

After a horrendously stressful Christmas, I took the opportunity over the New Year's weekend to get away for a few days to the heart of Colorado Ski Country. But I didn't go skiing. I spent the time looking around the area where Hubby now spends most of the week living and working. A place that seems to be at the top of the world.

Note elevation at bottom left of GPS - 11,014 ft.
Don't forget, you can click on a photo to enlarge it!

And since I don't do much skiing anymore, I spent my time walking along the Blue River (last week's Winter Walk pics were from along the Blue River in Silverthorne. Click here to see the post!), marveling at the Ice Castle which is being built at the Silverthorne Town Center (Click here for more info! I plan on going back in February to see it again), wandering the Dillon Cemetery (I'll have a post about it on Friday, so check back!), and reconnecting with Nature. But mostly I spent my time enjoying my Hubby's company, something I don't get to do much of anymore.

The town of Silverthorne, where Hubby works, is situated on the Blue River below the Dillon Reservoir. It is nestled between the Gore Mountains to the West and the Continental Divide to the East. The valley in which the town sits is surrounded by numerous majestic mountains and at least six major ski areas. The towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge all sit within an hour's drive of this alpine community.

Looking West at the Town of Silverthorne with Buffalo Mountain on left, Red Mountain on right.

Eagle nest on top of utility pole

Silverthorne began as a makeshift camp for the workers who built the Dillon Dam, which was constructed in 1961. In a very short amount of time, it has grown into a very metropolitan town. It isn't unusual to hear many different dialects being spoken at any given restaurant or outlet store. And an interesting FYI, the Dillon reservoir is a water source for the city of Denver. But more about that on Friday.....

Dillon Dam and road on top of dam can be seen as level brown area in back of photo

Looking west over Dillon Reservoir

Driving west on Dam Road with reservoir on the left

Cat Tales ~ Close Encounters....

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Of the White Kind!

This is the strangest stuff!

Never saw this white stuff in the Swamps of Louisiana where Me grew up!

Mommy says this stuff is called S*N*O*W

All Me knows, is that the white stuff makes Mes paws cold. And Me really doesn't want to squat in this stuff! Talk about a cold Tooshy!!!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Bus Art

2012-01-08T01:30:00.001-07:00

What Do You See???

2012-01-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

I'd love to hear what you see in this picture.....

A Winter Walk...

2012-01-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long since we have gone on a walk through the woods together....

The Art of the Holiday Tree

2011-12-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

From All of Us here in the Urban WildWoods,

May Your Holiday Season Be Filled With the Love and Laughter of Friends and Family and

May Your Future See a Multitude of Wealth and Prosperity Come To Roost in Your Boughs.

The last tree is made from reclaimed green plastic soda bottles.

Cat Tales ~ A Peeper

2011-12-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

Mommy's had a Peeper at her bedroom window lately.

Gingerbread Art

2011-12-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

Pinecone Link

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the pattern for the crocheted pine-cones which I used as decorations on my Holiday tree. Click here!
They are super simple to make. Different yarn or hook sizes will give you different size pine cones. And it's fun to mix up the colors. I'd love to see what you create!

Grandma's a Grinch!

2011-12-15T01:30:00.001-07:00

Yes. I have to admit that I have been a bit of a Grinch lately.

I wasn't going to decorate or do any sort of celebrating of the Season. It's been so hard to get into the spirit of anything when the paychecks are stretched thin and the future looks bleak. It's been an extremely rough year, filled with more than its share of bad news. While the future does appear to be a bit brighter for Hubby and I, my Daughter and her kids are still facing a long road ahead and my Sister is now among the ranks of the unemployed (please send some positive energy her way for a job to show up soon ~ Thank you!).

I find this time of year a bit gloomy anyway. I blame the gloom on too many unhappy memories from years past, the encroaching darkness as the Solstice approaches, and the commercialism that becomes worse with each passing year. But my Boys reminded me that the Season isn't about store-bought items, but about Love. And Family.

So, out came the boxes and bags and up went the tree and an assortment of other festive items. And the house is now looking a bit more like the Holidays.

I decorated the tree in pine-cones that I had crocheted a few years back and snowflakes and icicles that I made from clear beads. Very child and pet friendly. So no worries about the Grands or Critters breaking any of my antique glass ornaments.

This weekend I shall begin my Holiday baking and I am making plans to celebrate Solstice with my Daughter and her kids.

And once more Light shall return.

Please remember those who are not as fortunate this Season. And yes, it is okay to not be happy and "full of good cheer" at this time of year.

Debra of the blog, She Who Seeks, has written a very good post about a Blue Christmas. Click here!

The Witch's Circle ~ The Science of Magick

2011-12-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Not that long ago, many of today's commonplace things/occurrences were considered to be manifestations of Magick.
But as Man's understanding of the workings of the Universe grew and expanded, Man's perspective changed. And who is not to say that one day, what we now deem as 'Magick" will be explaned away in scientific terms.

Here's my scientific take on Magick - Magickal workings in basic terms is the manipulation of Energy. What if that Energy is constantly in motion or vibrates. Different things - humans, herbs, crystals - will vibrate at different speeds or frequencies. The vibrations of certain 'things' mesh together better than other things, forming a more powerful vibration - much like music. A whole symphony can have much more impact than one instrument playing the same song.

Witches are able to utilize these vibrations to their advantage during a spell. They are able to combine items that vibrate 'in symphony', adding their own vibrations to the mix, to send forth their intent out to the Universe. The more items vibrating together, the stronger the spell.

*** This is just my take on things...strictly supposition...but should this theory be proven, then I think it should be named The Candy Corn Theorem. ***

And don't forget to stop by and see Aine of The Deepest Well for further discussions in The Witch's Circle.

Cat Tales ~ Entertainment

2011-12-12T01:30:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!

Mommy installed Our Kitty-TV!

There's been a lot of action ~~chicks~~ flicks on the Kitty-TV lately.

We's been enjoying the shows!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Christmas Graffiti

2011-12-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

The Witch's Circle ~ Spells, Spirits, & Sage

2011-12-08T01:30:00.002-07:00

I am continuing with my perspectives on Witches, Witchcraft and other Magickal inclinations. These ramblings have been prompted by Aine of The Deepest Well with her discussions in The Witch's Circle. Be sure to pay her a visit! She is a very gracious hostess and makes the best tea!

Spells ~ Where would we Witches be without them? Whether we use candles or cords or concoctions, Spells (or Castings as I prefer to call them) are an everyday part of Life for a Witch. The Spell may be as simple as finding a parking spot at the shopping center or finding a lost object (personally I request the help of the Fae for this one!), or a bit more complicated for a positive outcome to a tough situation. And yes, even a Spell or two for protection of a loved one. But no matter what the Spell may be for or what items may be used, there will always be one thing in common - the Witch's Will. Without that the Spell will hold no power. It would only be so many words. Because it is in the Witch's own conviction for wanting what is being ask for (in the Spell), where the true Power lays. The aid of candles, herbs, oils, etc. add to or enhance the Witch's Power (I plan on expounding on this aspect next week in another post).
When I was starting out and finding my way down the Path, I would use Spells that I had found in various books. But as I progressed and grew in my knowledge, I began writing my own Spells. And it wasn't until quite recently that I began to write the Spells in rhyme - Thanks to one of my Granddaughters. The timing of a Spell can be critical for its success but in a pinch (or out of necessity) a Spell can be cast at any time. And with anything. My Ancestors didn't necessarily have a lot of fancy things to use when they did their Castings.

Spirits ~ Many Witches enlist the assistance of Ancestors in their Magickal works. These Ancestors may be Gods, Goddesses, Angels, Deceased Relatives, or Guiding Spirits. Personally, I work with the Spirits of Nature - Earth, Plants and Weather mainly. Sometimes Animal Spirits. But always a Cat Spirit or two (Gomez wouldn't have it any other way!) I pay my respects to these Spirits by giving back - spending time in the Garden, tending to the needs of the Trees and Bushes, helping make the area in which I reside a nicer place.

Sage ~ I'm actually referring to Herbs. (I just had to use the word Sage because it sounded better in the Post title.) Most Witches work with Herbs. Whether it is in Spellwork or creating a concoction for healing or even in cooking. My love affair with Herbs and Herbal Concoctions began when I was little and helped my Mother in her Herb Gardens. I always seem to have something hanging from the ceiling drying. Most of the time it's Gomez's Catnip!

Witch's Circle ~ Which Witch Are You?

2011-12-06T01:30:00.001-07:00

The question often arises, what is the difference between Witches and Wiccans.

I am no authority on either but I can write from what I, myself, have read and experienced. I found Wicca to be a highly organized religion and that ceremonial group observances/worship are part of the practice. Gods and/or Goddesses are worshiped and celebrated in Wicca as are the various Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year. Magickal practices (spells) may or may not necessarily be a part of a Wiccans daily life. Many aspects of Wicca appear to be based on an older mythos like Witchcraft.

Witchcraft is a way of life. It is the act of incorporating Magick into the mundane and ordinary of every day. Witches may work with Gods/Goddesses or other Dieties/Spirits in their Magickal practices but they are not worshiped. Often, Witchcraft knowledge is passed along among family members. And that knowledge will be peculiar to the region of the world from whence the family originated. Witches will observe the Changing of the Seasons, the phases of the Moon, and utilize these aspects in their Magickal workings.

The main difference is the 'rule' that Wiccans abide by, The Wiccan Rede. In its simpler version it states, "An it harm none, do what ye will". Wiccans also believe in the threefold law, whatever is sent out will return to the sender threefold. And while I do believe in Karma (a person's actions will eventually catch up with them), I will perform a binding spell.

So, in a nutshell, a Wiccan may be a Witch and a Witch may be Wiccan but being Wiccan does not make one a Witch and being a Witch does not make one Wiccan.

Differences in any religion or belief system are minuscule in the Grander Scheme of things, in my opinion. What matters is who you are and what you do. Not what you believe or how you worship.

Please check out Aine of The Deepest Well for more insights and links into the debate about Witches and Wiccans.

Cat Tales ~ Tales of the Outside

2011-12-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! Mommy has turned on the computer in the computer room! Me usually spends the days in there (sleeping on a warm snuggy blanket that Daddy set up for Me on his desk) when those sticky, noisy Little People are in the house. If Mommy had left her computer on, then Me could've been blogging! {{sigh}} Oh well!

On to the adventure Me wants to tell you about...Tales of the Outside.
Mommy and Daddy sat us 'Kittens" down many weeks ago and told us that this new place wasn't like the WildWoods of Arkansas and We Kittens would have to like being 'housecats'! Our outdoor adventures had come to a screeching halt - at least until Daddy could finish the wood fence around the backyard.
Well, Me batted Mes big blue eyes at Mommy and cried and cried and finally she gave in (she always caves in to Mes ~~demands~~ desires) and she let Me outside in the backyard. Of course, Mommy was around - 'just so Me wouldn't get scared', she said.

Me had fun exploring. So many new smells and noises. Bird smells, Skirrel smells, (Mommy has feeders up) and strange Doggy smells. Since I was so well behaved in the backyard (but then, Me is always well behaved!), Mommy decided to try letting some of the other Kittens outside.

Mommy let Fantum out, but Fantum is ascared of the Doggies who live in the yard behind Us. And Fantum will only stay outside as long as those Doggies don't woof.

Sylvester smelling tree under birdfeeder

Then Mommy let Sylvester out. And Sylvester is trying hard to be just like Me so he behaved himself and just watched the feeders after he smelled around.

Finally Mommy let Valentino out. But Valentino tries too hard to be Mr. Macho and Mommy found him in the neighbors yard (Mommy muttered the whole time she carried him home about how she couldn't figure out how he got out of the wire fence that is around the yard now). So now Valentino is grounded for "An Eternity!" - to quote Mommy. {{chuckle}} Valentino got in trouble! {{chuckle}} And Valentino can only peer out the door and dream about the outside.

The Art of Rob Sheridan

2011-12-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

The Art of Rob Sheridan

The Spirit of a House

2011-12-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Our Transition House is nothing special. It was built in the early 1960's - one of many brick 'cookie cutter' homes in a suburb of Denver, called Northglenn. I'll share my discoveries of the area as I explore more. I am anxious to visit more of the many parks that are within the Northglenn city limits as well as see if there are any deep, dark secrets to be discovered in the history of the town of Northglenn.

But back to The House. Most of what I have learned about my house and the neighborhood has come from my next door neighbor. She has lived in the home next to mine for about 18 years. It seems that in those 18 years, our house has had a new occupant (either owner or rental tenant) about every 2 years. Some of the occupants appeared to have loved The House and made loving, well planned renovations while to others The House was just an object. Oh yes, and one of the former tenants expired in the backyard.

*** I would love to hear your thoughts on why so many families have lived hear in the past two decades. ***

While Transition House is small, it does have a 'homey' feel to it. And I know that my 'Little Fae Friends' have made the journey with us and made friends with the Fae who already lived here. Whenever we're in the basement family room, we can hear their scampering on the main floor above us. And the Cats have quite the fascination with sounds only they seem to be able to hear which come from the attic. The Dogs and the Cats have settled in to their new surroundings, perhaps better than we Humans have.

The Yard has enormous potential - but anything is a vast improvement over what (or lack there of) is here. And while I miss having a stately old tree in close proximity, the Cherry tree, the Apple tree, and another unidentified fruit tree bless me with memories of my childhood when I had a magickal Apple Tree to lay under on hot summer afternoons. I hope my grands can make some magickal memories with these trees.

Like a stray animal happy to finally have found a home, Transition House appears happy to have finally found someone to nurture it and help it grow to its full potential.

The Witch's Circle ~ An Intro

2011-11-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about a blogging friend, Aine at The Deepest Well, and how she has started some discussions on Witches and Magick. Many fellow Bloggers have used these topics as blog prompts for posts of their own. And now I am (finally) writing my own post about my journey.

I am a Witch. I have always been a Witch, though it took many, many years for me to realize it. I did not grow up with organized religion being a part of the household. (Though my Mother did send me to summer Bible School.) Gods of any sort were just something I read about in books but I wouldn't have considered myself an Atheist. I did believe that there was a Greater Being. My beliefs in deities, spirits, and the like were (and still are) greatly influenced by the Native Americans of the American Southwest where I grew up. I devoured any and all books I could find about Native American religions.
I spent a lot of time outside while growing up. I learned about plants and herbs while helping my Mother in her various gardens. I was happiest when I was able to commune with Nature. The Spirits of the Trees, Flowers, and a plethora of other plants thrived under my Mother's hand and I am fortunate to have inherited her abilities.
I was in my late 20s when I ran across a book on Magic. This led me to books on Wicca. But Wicca did not resonate with me - it was too organized, too elaborate. I felt most comfortable in a solitary practice close to Nature. I would be considered a Green Witch, but not of the Wiccan persuasion. The Great Outdoors is my temple. I observe the changing of the Moon along with the changing of the seasons where I reside rather than set Sabbats on the calendar. I believe that every living thing has a spirit which can aid in spellwork. The Elements and the various forms of Weather can also give their assistance. I utilize spells on a regular basis. I try to incorporate herbs, colors, candles, minerals or crystals in my spellwork. And yes, I will perform binding spells when necessary. I will not intentionally cause anyone harm, but I will protect those who are near and dear to me.
Since the weeks leading up to Yule and the Return of Light are typically a time of introspection, I feel that this is a good time to use Aine's posts as blog prompts and write of my own experiences and beliefs. I hope you'll stay tuned......

~ The Witch's Circle ~

2011-11-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Aine at The Deepest Well is a dear blogging friend and I enjoy reading her posts. She has started some ongoing discussions about Witches and Magick ~ these posts are all labeled The Witch's Circle. She has discussed a variety of things - from Commitment to Candle Magic to how Science may play a role in Magic. These discussions are friendly and enlightening. Stop by her blog if you get the chance......
And she is currently hosting a giveaway for the book The New Death and Others by James Hutchings. Click here!

Life As You Know It....

2011-11-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Will never be the same. If someone had told me this back in May, I never would have believed them. At least not entirely. I knew things in my Life were transitioning - Hubby & I moving back to Colorado and Hubby getting a new job - but I had no idea as to the extent of those transitions!

At the end of May, my Son-in-law was arrested and taken back to Colorado to stand trial. This left my Daughter, 4 month's pregnant at the time, to cope with her Husband's arrest along with relocating herself and their 3 small children to Colorado. Fortunately, enough Family members came forward to help her with the move. And Thanks to the generosity of her older Brother - my Oldest Son - and his Wife, my Daughter and her kids have a safe, warm place to live (Daughter and kids moved in with Oldest Son and his kids). To quote my son, "Ah Mom, That's what Family does for each other. Helps each other out in time of need."

Life hasn't always been easy for the combined two housholds - 3 adults and 6 children in a small house. But they have managed. And I know that they will all be a closer-knit family because of this 'togetherness' - eventually. And Life has been an adjustment for Hubby and me (and all the critters!) as well. We went from having a huge house all to ourselves to a small house filled with small children - especially right after Baby Liam was born when the Clanlets (3 grandchildren), Mom (Daughter) and Baby Liam temporarily moved into Transition House (the name I have given our home here in Denver) so I could help with the care of the Clanlets. Liam is now a month old and Daughter and the Clanlets have moved back to Older Brother's place.

But wait! There's more..... I am now Hubby-less for most of the week, only seeing Hubby on the weekends. Hubby came back to Colorado in July hoping to get a job in the computer field, only to find out that the jobs he was qualified for did not pay all that much. So he went back to seeking employment in the auto-body industry. He found a job quickly, but it was not to last. Hubby didn't agree with some of the "work practices" of his employer, so he left. He searched for over a month, constantly perusing the help wanted ads. Finally, a job appeared on the horizon, thanks to my Oldest Son (who is also in the auto-body industry). The only catch was, the job wasn't in the greater Denver metro area - it was in a small-ish mountain town located in the heart of Ski Country (approx. 1 1/2 hrs away). Hubby took the job. The company Hubby now works for is a great company and he enjoys the people he works with. He is provided a small bachelor pad over one of the shops to stay in during the week. So now Hubby leaves on Monday morning and I don't see him again until Friday night (unless we Skype...).

My, how Life can change in the blink of an eye.....

I am writing of these changes today because they have impacted me (and others) in many ways. And I plan on blogging about some of these impacts in the coming posts. And yes, the Sunday Art feature on this blog will continue, beginning December 4th!

Thanksgiving Every Day

2011-11-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Every Day

The table is brimming with good things to eat;

We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.

The feelings that fill us today can't be beat;

It's Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.

But other days, sometimes, things don't seem so fine;

Those days are not polished and don't seem to shine.

It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,

And think of the things we would get, if we could.

On days when our thinking causes us dread,

If we could remember, it's all in our head,

And not let our minds take our gratitude away,

Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

by Karl Fuchs

From Our House to Yours,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Recognitions

2011-11-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

Life has been a bit complicated, stressful, and hectic of late and I am long overdue in saying THANK YOU and recognizing some wonderfully generous folks.

First, I would like to THANK Angelwick and Punky of New York City Dreaming for the most adorable Pumpkin Suncatcher!!! Their thoughtfulness and generosity certainly brightened my Halloween!

And next I would like to THANK Rue of Rue and Hyssop for the book Spirit of the Witch by Raven Grimassi. I won this book in a giveaway she hosted. I'm looking forward to delving into this book.

So, if you are out and about in the blogosphere, do stop by and tell these lovely folks "HI". Their blogs are fun and interesting. And a new friend you just might make!

Rules for Being Human

2011-11-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

1. You will receive a Body. You may like it or you may hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

2. You will learn Lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in this school, you will have the opportunity to learn Lessons - you may like the Lesson or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3. There are no Mistakes, only Lessons. There is a process of trial and error; experimentation. The 'failed' experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately 'works'.

4. A Lesson is repeated until it is Learned. A Lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it.When you have learned it, you can go on to the next Lesson.

5. Learning Lessons does not end. There is no part of Life that does not contain its Lessons. If you are alive, there are Lessons to be learned.

6. 'There' is no better than 'Here'. When your 'There' has become a 'Here', you will simply obtain another 'There' that will again look better than 'Here'.

7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your Life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. what you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your Answers lie inside you. The Answer's to Life's questions lie inside you. All you need do is look, listen, and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

11.You can remember it whenever you want.

Author Unknown

A Hiatus

2011-11-02T20:01:00.000-06:00

My time is not my own anymore....my daughter, Jennifer, and her three kids have temporarily moved in with us while Jen recuperates from having little Liam. In addition to being chief cook and bottle washer, I am now also chauffeur, activity director and referee. I shall return when I can.

Cat Tales ~ Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T00:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Haunted Construction Co.

2011-10-30T01:30:00.000-06:00

The Haunted Construction Co.

I LOVE this!!!

Frosted JOLs

2011-10-28T01:30:00.000-06:00

Master Liam Adam Dixon

2011-10-27T01:30:00.000-06:00

I would like to introduce you to Liam Adam Dixon.

He was welcomed into this world on Monday, October 24th.

Mother and son are doing well.

This little guy has already endeared himself to Grandma. The day he was scheduled to arrive, the Front Range of Colorado received snow in excess of 12" in many areas. I would have had to drive my daughter through that snow to the hospital. But instead of waiting till that day to be born, Liam decided to arrive two days early! He's already earned a special spot in my heart. ♥

Pumpkin Fields

2011-10-26T01:30:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, my daughter, her kids and I went to choose some very lucky pumpkins to come home with us and be part of our Halloween celebrations. We went to a large farm not far from my house, Rock Creek Farm. There are over 100 acres of pumpkins which are grown here.

I swear, when we drove up, I thought I had gone to Pumpkin Heaven!! The fields were orange with the pumpkins that were waiting to be chosen! Next year I'm going back earlier in the season so I can partake of all the orange pumpkiny goodness!

It was oh, so hard to choose which ones to take home, all the pumpkins were gorgeous. But finally after traversing many fields, we were able to find some lucky gourds.

If ever there was a sincere pumpkin patch for The Great Pumpkin to rise out of, this is it!

Cat Tales ~ A Cat of Distinction

2011-10-24T01:30:00.000-06:00

This Cat is just as suave and debonair as Me!

But Me thinks Me is more handsome.

More Artistic Chicken Wire

2011-10-23T02:30:00.000-06:00

The Art of Ivan Lovatt

Candy Corn Kisses

2011-10-21T01:30:00.000-06:00

I am a HUGE fan of Candy Corn!

I mean what's not to LOVE about this delectable goodie?

And while cruzing the interwebs, looking for Candy Corn, I ran across these ~

Hershey's Candy Corn Kisses!

It seems that the Hershey Company put these out a few years back.

But alas, they are not to be had now....

{{SIGH}}

Candy Corn on FB

2011-10-19T02:00:00.000-06:00

Candy Corn on Facebook

If you're on Facebook and haven't "Liked" Candy Corn yet, SHAME ON YOU!

Cat Tales ~ Meat on the Hoof

2011-10-17T02:30:00.000-06:00

We "Kittens" have kinda gotten board around The House.

(Kittens - that's the name that the Little Person that Mommy calls Miss Fae has given to Us. Me's kinda taken to liking her, though Me does still keep Me distance)

Wes board cause The House is small and Wes can't go outside yet.
(Well.... Me has a confession, only some of Us Kittens can't go outside ....But that's a tale for another post!)

So We Kittens have invented new games to amuse ourselves. And some of those games lead to grumbling amongst the Clowder - like the game of Stair Stalking. Ones of Us will lay in wait at the bottom or top (or sometimes middle) of the stairs and surprise another Kitten coming up or going down. Sometimes this game results in a scuffle and Mommy or Daddy comes running.

Several times Mes heard Mommy and Daddy talking about "supplying Us with meat on the hoof" to keep us amused.

Wonder if they was talking about mice......

image source

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Candy Corn Street Art

2011-10-16T01:00:00.000-06:00

The Art of Diabetik

Spider and the Goddess Project

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

I received the most lovely of surprises in the mail yesterday! A package came from my Sister in New Mexico. She sent the cutest Halloween card to our Family. And all the Grands were at my house when the package arrived, so We were all able to enjoy the Greetings. The Girlz thought the "Kittens" on the card were quite adorable!

She also sent me the loveliest of Four Corner Spiders! Fear not those of you who don't like those of the arachnid family, this little guy is a pendant. Don't I have the BESTEST Sister? Thank You so much!!!

My wonderful Sister also included a brochure about a fundraising project for the "Four Corners Goddess Temple". This Temple will be located approx. 20 miles south of Bloomfield, NM (Four Corners Region) and, once built, will be open to the public and provide a spiritual retreat where any deity may be honored. The project is being undertaken by the Order of the Cauldron of the Sage - a spiritual coven located in the Four Corners region of New Mexico. If anyone would like more info, feel free to ship me an email.

Candy Corn Graph

2011-10-13T01:30:00.000-06:00

see more Funny Graphs

Just Another Day...

2011-10-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

... of play at Grandma's house.

With Black Kittens, Toady, Pumpkins, Owl and the trusty 'Kettle'.

And we mustn't forget Eyeballs for breakfast!

Sleeping in Hospitals...

2011-10-11T01:30:00.000-06:00

Twice in the last week I have slept in the oh, so comfy (NOT) furniture supplied in hospital rooms.

My daughter, who is very much pregnant, has had to go to the hospital for high fever and contractions. The Baby isn't due until October 26th. Both hospital stays were short and my daughter Jen was discharged once the fever had broken and contractions had stopped. What is causing the fever is a mystery to the Doctor (though he does think it may be a viral infection which will have to run its course) and the Dr. is reluctant to deliver the Baby while Mom is ill.
So I catch up on my rest when I can, because I never know when I'll get another phone call....

Cat Tales ~ Catrepreneur

2011-10-10T02:55:00.000-06:00

Bet you didn't know Me started a business after Me moved to Colorado......

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Black Birds

2011-10-09T02:43:00.015-06:00

The Art of Craig Kosak

Wire Ghosts

2011-10-07T02:51:00.025-06:00

I found these images through the blog, The Modern Mourner.

This blog is unique and well worth a visit - it's all about "finding new ways to mourn and cherishing one's memories and heritage". The images were originally found on the website, Pinterest.

I found these ghostly wraiths made from chicken wire quite captivating. And would love to eventually make some.

More Gold....

2011-10-06T02:30:00.000-06:00

A Pumpkin Village

2011-10-05T02:37:00.014-06:00

The Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum

Thar's Gold in Them Thar Hills!

2011-10-04T02:39:00.000-06:00

Hubby and I went for a drive in the mountains west of Denver over the past weekend. And what did we find? GOLD!

And even some Red! And lots of Leaf-Lookers!

Cat Tales ~ Love

2011-10-03T02:13:00.011-06:00

Me LOVES our new Cat Condo!!!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Maskull Lasserre

2011-10-02T02:19:00.004-06:00

The Art of Maskull Lasserre

Halloween Food Group

2011-10-01T02:57:00.000-06:00

A Baby Shower

2011-09-29T02:24:00.063-06:00

And continuing with the Autumn celebrations, I hosted a Baby Shower for my daughter this past Saturday.
Baby Boy Dixon is expected around the end of October. Yes, we're all wondering if this is going to be a Halloween Baby.....

My creative muse came out while decorating for the party. Finding a rubber duck for the cake proved to be challenging! Who'd a thought???

And I had fun making a diaper cake. Complete with a Teddy Bear jumping out of the center of the cake!

But most important, a good time was had by all!

Autumn Blessings

2011-09-27T02:24:00.056-06:00

My Daughter and I celebrated the first day of Autumn by going to one of the local parks and having a picnic with the children.

This park is only a few minutes from the house and one of the Denver area's nicest.

It is very family friendly with a gorgeous lake, a babbling brook, and several playground areas for kids of all ages and sizes.

We fed the ducks and geese.

Climbed on enchanted mushrooms.

And had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful Autumn day.

May Autumn bless you with an abundance of joy and love, family and friends.

Cat Tales ~ A Traitor...

2011-09-26T02:55:00.028-06:00

... is in our midst!!

Me spied
Silly Sylvester cavorting with The Princess!
Me can't believe Silly Sylvester has actually begun socializing with those loud, sticky Little People that are always coming over to Mes House!!!

Mes tried talking to Sylvester about giving those Little People the cold shoulder like Me does, but Sylvester just won't listen.

Oh well...it's his fur that'll end up stuck together.

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Altered Art

2011-09-25T02:36:00.016-06:00

The Art of James Charles

These are actual and real US dollar bills whose images have been altered. Click on each image to view a larger version of that image.

Cat Tales ~ Me Sinks this is it!

2011-09-19T02:46:00.011-06:00

Mes new Favorite Sleeping Spot (at least for the moment!)

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Dead Insects

2011-09-18T02:50:00.007-06:00

The Art of Magnus Muhr

Bees, Boxes & a Microbe update

2011-09-16T03:17:00.159-06:00

Microbe Update ~ Before I get started, I'd like to give a bit more explanation about the art I featured this past Sunday - The Art of the Microbe . All the pictures featured in that blog post were actually very unique artwork that had been creating by using living bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms. The designs were created in petri dishes by various means. I encourage everyone to visit the link provided at the beginning of the post to learn more.

And now on to other things..... Settling in is going to take longer than I had anticipated. But I'm not complaining. My days are now filled with "Grandma, come see" or "Grandma, let's play". I have begun babysitting my oldest son's youngest daughter, Miss Fae, on a semi-regular basis.

Miss Fae explores the world with a gentle step and a sense of joy that is quite infectious. We've learned how to 'paint' on the sidewalk with water and a found feather. We've built a raft from sticks so the bug in the puddle had a place to go. We did our part in repopulating the dandelions in the front yard.

And we've had numerous Tea Parties in the middle of the kitchen floor. And then at least once, if not twice, a week I spend time with our other five grand children. So my time is filled with much Love and Laughter!

The mountain of boxes that have filled the garage are slowly dwindling. Hubby and I try to tackle 2-3 boxes a day. I've already discovered items I had forgotten about - like the children's table & chairs I had bought just before I began packing. And our Kids have been the beneficiaries of numerous boxes of cast-off items. Some day we shall reclaim our garage!

I have a hive of ground dwelling bees in the backyard. Something has to be done about the bees so that we can enjoy the backyard. I emailed Zan Asha of Vagabond Creations about the bees. Since she is a beekeeper, I felt she could advise me. Zan suggested that I contact a local bee club or even a nature preserve about the Hive's removal. I shall keep you posted....

And I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures!! Especially after enduring the horribly hot summer that Arkansas experienced this year. And yesterday, while at the grocery store, Miss Fae and I made a HUGE discovery!! PUMPKINS have arrived!! Oh JoY!!!! The season will soon be upon us!!

Cat Tales ~ Movin'... Movin' On Up!

2011-09-12T00:55:00.122-06:00

The last few weeks have been a blur for Me! Me was so busy making sure Mommy didn't forget to pack all of the important stuff - you know ... the canned cat food, the can opener, Mes pillow, Mes brush, Mes soft bed, and of course Mes Catnip.

Then Daddy came home. (We Kitties had to ignore Him - We couldn't act like we had missed him but those silly hairy Doggies had to fall over themselves showing Daddy how much they had missed him) And Me and Mes Silly Siblings all got stuffed into a bedroom then so Me doesn't know everything that went on, but Me did watch for a bit through the window. Daddy and the Two Boys from their litter and a couple other guys that Daddy knows got real busy moving everything that Mommy had packed into BIG yellow trucks.

Then Mes Silly Siblings all got stuffed into their little boxes and loaded up into the big car that Daddy drove down to take Us to our new home. And the worst part was that those big hairy, shedding Doggies got put in the same car! Have you ever been stuck in a car with three wet Doggies till they dried off? (It rained the morning We left and the Doggies got wet going from the house to the car) It is NOT a pleasant thing! Mommy had to hold some Catnip under Mes nose so I could breathe! And those Doggies have no manners! They shed white hair ALL OVER the black interior of the car! But Me knows Mes manners, Me just shed all over Mommy.

But Mes special and Me got to ride up front on a pillow between Mommy and Daddy. Me helped Daddy navigate. Me didn't want him to get lost! And We drove and drove and DROVE!!! I never thought We get there! But finally We arrived at our Transition House. And then We got stuffed into a room again while Daddy and the youngest Boy of their litter unloaded the trucks.

But, it was all worth it! Mommy and Daddy splurged and bought Me the biggest condo they could find. And Mommy even spread Catnip ALL over it! The only problem is, now I have to share Mes nice big condo with all Mes Silly Siblings!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of the Microbe

2011-09-11T01:17:00.015-06:00

Microbial Art

Not Letting Grass Grow....

2011-09-08T02:59:00.035-06:00

Under my feet. Since arriving in Denver, I haven't had much of a chance to stop and think. The kids and grandkids have kept me busy. But I have managed to do a bit of exploring around the neighborhood and have found that there is an outdoor labyrinth about three blocks from the house.

And I have found lots of cool things that I would like to take pictures of so that I might share them with all of you. The unpacking is going slowly. We have essentially moved into a house that is half the size of the one we had in Arkansas and even though I had gotten rid of a lot of stuff before we moved, we still have a lot of stuff!! So as I unpack, I am also attempting to 'thin out' the accumulation of the years. Not always an easy task.

And the yard....well, let's just say that grass isn't growing there either. The previous owner wasn't into green, earthly things. The backyard had been used as a dirt track for motorcycles. How that was managed, I'll never know because the yard is the size of a postage stamp. But I have brought quite a few plants with me and hope to acquire more as time goes by. And with a bit of time and a lot of elbow grease, this place will be transformed. I have been blessed, though, with a cherry tree in the front yard, two apple trees to the west, a large lilac bush on the east, a healthy climbing rose and two enormous peony plants.

The critters are all adjusting. The dogs are enjoying the large front window - they are avid spectators to the comings and goings-on in the neighborhood. The cats have almost come to terms with the fact that they are house-bound for the time being. {I think Gomez may have a thing or two to say about that on Monday!}

And the Halloween stuff is just now coming out in the stores here. I'm really looking forward to all of that Halloween Goodness!

Cat Tales ~ Garden Faeries

2011-09-05T02:04:00.001-06:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures,

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Tarabeth

2011-09-04T02:46:00.018-06:00

This Sunday's featured Art comes from a young aspiring Artist by the name of Tarabeth.

I know Tarabeth personally and she is a lively, spirited gal who creates every chance she gets.

Tarabeth is my granddaughter.

The drawing below she created earlier this year at the age of 4.

I hope to share more of her artwork as it is produced.

Late Summer In the WildWoods

2011-08-31T01:31:00.016-06:00

This will be the last walk we take in the WildWoods of Arkansas. the next time we go for a walk, it will be in the Urban WildWoods of Colorado.

Cat Tales ~ Road Trip!!!!!

2011-08-29T02:25:00.057-06:00

Mes going on a ROAD TRIP!!!

It's been forever since Mes gotten to go on a Road Trip. The last time was when Mommy and Daddy decided to live in the WildWoods of Arkansas. And that was many, many, many moons ago!

Now Mommy says Wes going to go live in the UrbanWoods of Colorado. And Wes have to drive and drive and drive to get there. Me likes Road Trips and Me has a bed that Me rides in (cause Mes special) and Me can see out the window but everyone else has to ride in cages. Theys not happy.

Those hairy shedding Doggies are going to ride in the same car with Us Kitties. Mes not too sure Me likes that idea....
Mes gotta go. Me must make sure that Mommy has Mes water bottle and a bit of Nip packed for me.

Me will be sure to give you a FULL report once Mes unpacked.

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of the Artificial Reef

2011-08-28T00:22:00.021-06:00

The Art of Jason deCaires Taylor

Don't Touch That Dial!

2011-08-25T02:03:00.021-06:00

I'm turning in my modem and shutting off my internet service today (shudder!!) I may go through withdrawals! LOL Just joking!!

I have put The Candy Corn Chronicles on autopilot while I am transitioning. So y'all be good and play nice! I'll catch up with everyone once I'm more or less settled (probably less).

See you soon!

Cat Tales ~ Winds of Change

2011-08-22T02:38:00.058-06:00

Mommy has been talking to us a lot lately. And I don't think it's because Daddy's been gone and she has no one else to talk to. She's been telling us about a new place Wes going to go live at. She calls it our "Transition Home".

She said she knows how the foundlings who have come to live with us feel ~ Just so happy to have found a warm, safe, dry place to curl up in. Mommy said she feels like that about this "Transition Home". She's just happy that Daddy was able to find it.

Mommy said that Wes needed to move closer to her litter of kids to help them out. And to help out with those noisy, sticky Little People that Mommy calls 'Grandkids'.
Hrmph! There's nothing too Grand about them! But Mommy promised that she would buy us a nice tall Kitty Condo so Wes could get away from them sticky little hands.

Me supposes that wouldn't be so bad...especially if it is coated with Catnip!
Me gets dibs on the top bed!!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of the Tea Bag

2011-08-21T00:00:00.027-06:00

*** Remember you can click on any photo to enlarge it and see the detail in these creative tea bags! ***

10 Days and Counting.....

2011-08-17T02:53:00.037-06:00

In only 10 days Hubby and Sons will be here with the moving trucks. There will be a flurry of activity as they pack and stack all of our earthly possessions into those trucks. It's been so long since I've packed some of the boxes, that I've forgotten what's in them. It'll be like opening presents when we get to our new 'Transition Home'.

I've noticed there's been a flurry of activity over at the Neighbors. It seems They're getting ready for the move as well....

Cat Tales ~ The Winners Are....

2011-08-15T00:31:00.046-06:00

First, Me would like to Thank every one of you lovely Felines who entered Mes GiVeAwAy!

And Thank You for reading Mes posts every Monday.

Mommy wrote all the names on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl so Me could choose two.

It seems that everyone in the house wanted to get in on the act of name drawing, but Me finally got the names pulled.

And now without further ado, Me will announce the winners!

Maggie who belongs to Tigger and Pepper
Wendy who belongs to Miss Bella and Sele

If you lovely Kitties would email Mes Mommy with your address, Mommy will get your books & goodies mailed out to you.

Art of the Supermarket Display

2011-08-14T00:02:00.011-06:00

Look Who...

2011-08-12T02:16:00.012-06:00

I found napping by my flower pot....

And I caught his friend napping under a tree ...

Bee Update

2011-08-11T00:59:00.110-06:00

First, I would like to say Thank You to everyone who commented on my post last week about Bees. The input provided was most enlightening. My little friends continue to visit me while I work outside. They have now been joined by the occasional Bumble Bee.

I didn't know what to think when they first started showing up. I ruled out the need for water (in 110+ deg temperatures, a person does have a tendency to sweat a bit!) since I have a small ornamental pond in our courtyard and there is a larger pond about 50 yards from the house. (Bees use water to help cool the Hive in hot weather as well as to thin out honey so it might be fed to larva)
Someone suggested to me that the Bees could be attracted to my pheromones. And this could very well be, though I'm not sure about the chemistry between Bees and a person's pheromones. That is something I must delve into when time allows. And no I haven't been wearing perfume or deodorant (I know, I know.... but when you are by yourself and sweating like Niagara Falls, deodorant is the last thing on a person's mind!)

After reading and pondering, I feel that the Bees are telling me several things....

That all my efforts - all the painting done on the house, all the boxes packed, all the weeks spent alone while Hubby was attending school and doing homework will pay off. That I will soon be able to enjoy the 'fruits' of my labors.
The Bee encounters at the new House are also a sign that those 'frutis' await us - that the hard work that Hubby and our youngest son have done on the new place will pay off in the end. And soon We will all be able to sit back and enjoy each others company!
The Bees are also encouraging me to continue on the mystickal path ~ I have a lovely Witch and several darling little Witchlings waiting for me.
And the Bees from the WildWoods are bidding me goodbye. I shall miss them dearly. But many new friends await .....

Crooked Forest of Gryfino

2011-08-10T01:38:00.000-06:00

Do you remember this nursery rhyme ~

There was a crooked man and he walked a crooked mile,

He found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked stile.

He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse.

And they all live together in a little crooked house.

Well, this is the forest that the crooked house may have been located in.

Around four hundred trees in this forest near Gryfino, Poland have been formed with a 90° horizontal bend in it's trunk before rising vertically again. The trees are believed to be about eighty years old and although there is no explanation for this freak of nature one widely held belief is that the trees were shaped this way by human hands (possibly by carpenters wanting to use the wood for furniture making). Or maybe the Forest Fae had a wee hand in their making....

Cat Tales ~ Centerfold Shots

2011-08-08T02:43:00.004-06:00

**WARNING**

Some of these photos may not be appropriate for the younger crowd!

Or even the older crowd!

Don't forget to enter Mes GiVeAwAy!!!
Click here to read post for entry!!!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

The Art of Roisin

2011-08-07T01:56:00.025-06:00

I have the pleasure of knowing today's featured Artist. She is a lovely Lady with a wonderful sense of humor. And her Art reflects the beauty and magick of the land in which she lives.

Her name is Roisin and she lives in Ireland.

Her blog is Child of Danu .

And CLICK HERE to see her Flickr Fotos!

Please stop by and say 'Hi' when you get the chance!

Tooth Fairy Feels Economic Pinch

2011-08-05T01:07:00.000-06:00

The economy is so tough that it has taken a bite out of what kids get for losing teeth.

Compared with a year ago, youngsters reaching under their pillows have found an average of 40 cents less per tooth, according to a recent Visa Inc. survey.

The going rate nationally per tooth is down to $2.60 from $3.

The amount shelled out varies in different areas of the country. The Tooth Fairy largess is up in the West, where the average reimbursement per tooth rose to $2.80 from last year's $2.70.

In other areas of the nation, getting money out of the Tooth Fairy is like pulling teeth. The average payout in the East is $2.10, down 38 percent from $3.40 in 2010; the South, $2.60, down 21 percent from last year's average of $3.30; and the Midwest, $2.80, down 3 percent from 2010's $2.90.

Click here to read more!

The Meaning of Bees ~ Input Please!

2011-08-04T01:19:00.039-06:00

Bees have become a companion of mine lately. I seem to always have one or more flying around me, landing on me, or just sometimes being a general nuisance (there little feet tickle the back of my neck). These are honey bees that seem to be craving my attention - not Bumble Bees or Sweat Bees but Honey Bees. {Hubby says it's because I'm so sweet! He must be buttering me up for something!}

I have been doing a fair amount of work outside, packing up the garage and other shop buildings, and bees always seem to find me, doesn't matter if it is early morning or late afternoon. I am wondering if this is an omen, a message perhaps? Hubby even reported that he thinks there is a ground nest of bees at the new house. Hhhmmmmm....... What are these little guys trying to tell me??

August Update

2011-08-03T01:18:00.084-06:00

A lot has and hasn't happened in the last month.
The weather is still hot and dry. I feel like someone stuck us in the oven, turned it to broil and forgot about us! We had two brief rain showers the whole month of July. Not near enough.

Hubby went off to Denver and is now working. (I wrote a bit about that last week). He should get his first paycheck this week. Oh, Happy Days!!
We signed a lease on a house in the northern suburbs of Denver. It's not exactly my idea of a dream home, but we felt it was the best way to get into a place up there and not have to deal with a landlord. Nothing against landlords (we may become some fairly soon) but when a person has animals, landlords aren't exactly the most desirable people to deal with. And believe me, I am making a mental note of that! I don't want to become a person that I wouldn't even want to deal with!

Our "New" House

Had a couple of showings of the house here in Arkansas. And we remain hopeful that it will sell before the end of summer.
I am still packing away. I have odds-n-ends in the house to pack. All that oddly shaped stuff that just doesn't quite fit into any normal size box. But I am spending most of my time packing up Hubby's garage and two shop buildings. He won't be able to find anything for a good while. Teach him for not packing it himself! And I have a deadline to meet. We are leaving Arkansas the end of the month. I'm anxious to to rejoin the Family and to rejoin the Art Scene. I have dearly missed creating my Faeries and any and all sort of Halloween items.

And speaking of Halloween... We'll have two, possibly three yards to "Haunt" this year! WooHoo!!! We'll have to use what we have, so this year won't be all that creepy but it'll still be fun!

And don't forget, Gomez is having a Giveaway! You can read about it here!

Cat Tales ~ A Giveaway!!!

2011-08-01T00:20:00.044-06:00

Hello Everyone! Gomez here. Mommy is letting me host a GiVeAwAy!!!

Me is giving away the book, "The Enchanted Cat - Feline Fascinations, Spells & Magick" by Ellen Dugan AND Me is including some of Mes Catnip and a Quartz Crystal that came from right here in Arkansas.

And I am giving away not one but TWO books! Each complete with Catnip and Crystal!
So there will be TWO Winners!

So, all you sweet little Kitties have to do is have your Human leave a comment on this blog post and I will announce the winners' names in two weeks (August 15) on my Monday post.

Good Luck to everyone!
**This Giveaway is open to ALL Kitties in the USA and Canada!**

The Art of Senyphine

2011-07-31T01:20:00.009-06:00

The Art of Senyphine
Click here to see more!!

The Myth of the Poop Fairy

2011-07-29T03:47:00.001-06:00

Like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot, the fabled Poop Fairy has been the stuff of legend. Flying undetected in parks, neighborhoods and schoolyards, she was said to follow close behind dogs and their owners — picking up what the dog left behind, before flying off to the next canine creation. A widespread belief that she existed seemed to reassure some that cleaning up after one’s dog was sort of … optional.
However, in response to a growing number of poop piles, and a growing number of citizen complaints, the Jefferson County (Colorado) Animal Control office has partnered with local park districts and homeowner associations to bring you this public service announcement:

Click here to learn more!

A Touch of Humanity

2011-07-28T02:26:00.207-06:00

* * * I'll warn you now, this post is a bit wordy * * *

I hadn't planned a post for today. But something happened last night that really touched me and softened the hard core that had begun to form inside. I wanted to share this something with you.

Let me begin ........ I am a member of an online discussion forum for the town in which I live. It can be a lively place with discussions ranging from sun spots to wild hogs to politics. It's a great place to keep up on what's happening in the county, advertise items for sale, place a notice for a lost dog, or share recipes. I'm not necessarily a frequent contributor but will sometimes join discussions when I feel the need. And with the impending move, I have listed many items for sale.

One of these items was a 1950s style dining table set with matching hutch. I had tried to sell it for months and finally a lovely Lady called me to purchase it. This woman and her husband live in Galveston, Texas but had recently purchased a local commercial building for a future venture. She had the table set moved to this building. I never thought I would hear from this woman again. This took place about two weeks ago.

Let's fast forward to yesterday morning. Someone had posted on the forum the news about how some employers who place ads on the many online employment websites, state in their ads that the unemployed need not apply. This seems to be the growing trend. And it is perfectly legal. This struck a nerve with me because of my Hubby's recent encounter with being unemployed. I wanted to see what thoughts people had on this subject. All too often the people who are on the forum will only see things one way, never stopping to look at all angles of a situation. In this case the thread was degenerating into a bashing of those people who had drawn unemployment for the full 99 weeks - or 99ers as they are called. My Hubby was a 99er and this 'name calling' did not set well with me.

I would like for you to read my post.....
I wasn't going to join this discussion, but feel I must before folks start bashing the 99ers.
Firstly, not all 99ers are leeches of the Gov't. Yes, there are some that choose to stay on unemployment rather than get a job but NOT ALL!

My husband was employed at the Mena airport and was laid off late in the year of 2008. He looked and looked for work around here. I looked for work. My skills were limited while his were not. Yet, neither of us could find a job. It was not financially possible for us to take a job in Ft. Smith or Hot Springs - it would cost us more in gas to commute than what either of us would make in wages. Believe me, neither of us WANTED to live off unemployment but yet that was our only option if we were to stay in the area.

So Hubby went to school to learn a new skill while continuing to draw unemployment. He felt that by doing this he would better his chances of getting a job, thus supporting his family and not being a "Leech" on The System. Sorry to say the education he received only enabled him to qualify for minimum wage jobs - he had neither the education nor the experience required for many of the better paying jobs in his new chosen field. So Hubby went back to applying for positions in fields where he had worked previously - auto body tech and motorcycle mechanic. He could make 3x to 4x the amount of money doing manual labor vs. a job that he had received an education for.

Hubby submitted resumes and applications - an average of 3 a day (for a period of 2 1/2 months) before he was finally hired. One place he went, a manager looked at his application and told him that they weren't accepting applications from the unemployed. Hubby told them he had been attending school. Hubby went to another place about 4 hrs after the job was posted on Craig's list. The manager already had a stack of at least a dozen applications and they were going to continue to take applications for two more days. The job market is extremely tough!!

I'm happy to say that Hubby started a new job just this past Monday.

A member responded with an attempt to placate me on 'how well things turned out' but never once admitting that the 99ers weren't all lazy, slouches wanting to live off the Government. This was the same member who had begun the name calling. I know it is hard to admit to being wrong, but .....
This same member then went on to write about how lucky we were to have found work in the area and how 'easy' it is to receive public assistance (back to the lazy, slouches who live off the Gov't.)

My responses were.....
Actually Hubby didn't find work here. There are still not enough jobs to go around in this part of the country. Hubby found work in Denver. And that is where he had put in all of his applications for employment. We both knew that he wasn't going to get a good paying job around here, if he got a job at all. And the only "cost of living" that is higher there is rent and the cost of homes. Food, utilities, gas are all cheaper than here in Mena. I know this because I have three children who live in the Denver Metro area. I have compared utility bills (yes, down to the price per kilowatt or cost per gallon of water) and the cost of food.
Maybe for some it is easy. But for others in need it is near impossible to receive any sort of assistance. When Hubby was on unemployment, we applied for food stamps. We didn't qualify because we owned our own home and our vehicles. According to the Gov't. we didn't qualify because we had too much in the way of assets. We felt like we were being punished...There were many times we borrowed from our kids to help make ends meet.
As far as I know, welfare checks are a thing of the past. My daughter who is pregnant and has three small children only qualifies for food stamps and WIC. (Due to a twist of events, my Son-in-law can no longer provide for his family) No monetary assistance from the Gov't. is available. If it wasn't for family, she and the kids would be living in a shelter.

There were only a few response after mine. And they all wrote about what a 'flawed' system the Gov't. has in determining who is eligible for public assistance. I figured that was the end of that. I was a bit disappointed that no members wished us well but I wasn't surprised. The people of this area have become quite self-centered and selfish.

And then I received an email notice that a forum member had sent me a personal message. It was from the Lady who had bought the table from me a couple weeks back. This email took me totally by surprise.....

Hi Jeanne; I read a little of what you and your husband have been going through. I think there are many people now who are standing in the shoes you've been in, many more so than I can remember at any other time in my life. I now know the reason you will be moving, and I'm glad that things turned out well for you, even though it's too bad it means you'll be leaving the Mena area. I would like to have met you. We'll be spending the first two weeks of Sept. in Mena, getting a little work done on the building, and also just enjoying the beautiful scenery. If you happen to be still living there then, and find yourself out and about, I hope you'll stop by and say hello. I warn you we'll be dressed in our work clothes! My best wishes to you and your family.

I was brought to tears when I read her short note. There really are people out there in the world who care about others. I know the Blogging World is filled with caring, generous people but knowing that this one woman who didn't know me could reach out like she did really softened the rock which had begun to form in my heart. Not one member of the community we live in - some who knew my Hubby quite well - had bothered to check to see how we were doing after he was laid off.

So, please, DO NOT hesitate to reach out to someone. Take a moment to send someone a letter or an email. Even if it's just to say, "Hey, I'm thinking about you". Smile at more people - even if you don't feel like smiling. Remember it's these little things that can brighten someone's day more than you'll ever know.

Impossible Gears

2011-07-27T02:37:00.010-06:00

Mind Boggling.......

Cat Tales ~ Catnip Harvest

2011-07-25T00:53:00.000-06:00

Me has a 'medical scrip' for Catnip and Mommy is my Catnip Provider.

These are just a few of the Catnip plants that Mommy grows. She has lots.

Me likes to savor my catnip. First Me rubs it on my lips and cheeks.

Then Me nibbles on the leaves. If Daddy's around, he will pick a leaf or two and rub it all over me. He knows I like my cologne to be Eau de Catnip.

This is part of the Catnip after harvest.

Mommy puts it in this big round thing to dry it out. If she dries it, then Me always has Catnip available for Mes medical condition. This is a photo of Me inspecting the drying process.

Catnip is calming...it is good for frazzled nerves and upset tummys. Even Humans can take it! But Me don't understand why they don't roll around in it. They'd probably feel better if they'd just get down on the rug and roll back and forth in Catnip leaves!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Sleeping House Studio

2011-07-24T01:17:00.013-06:00

The Art of Alexander Jansson

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Summer in the WildWoods

2011-07-22T02:01:00.000-06:00

Legend of Bigfoot

2011-07-21T00:34:00.080-06:00

I ran across this story while packing up some of our books. And I thought I would share it with you, my faithful readers. My Mother wrote this story while living in the Pacific Northwest prior to the eruption of Mt. St. Helens.

The Legend of Bigfoot

Donna Turnbull

Etherton waved goodbye to the guides who were to set up camp here and let him proceed alone. This was Bigfoot Country, a few miles from Vancouver on the slopes of Mt. St. Helens in the Cascades. Here the sightings of Bigfoot had been many. Not every man had nerve enough to climb the slopes in search of one.

But Etherton was a brave man. He was there to attempt the rescue of one Alina Smith. She had disappeared less than a month ago after the filming of her last picture was completed. She had come here for a vacation and to join a group who were viewing the splendor of the cone shaped mountain. The rest of the party had returned. Alina had not. One of them had testified that he had seen her, at a distance, picked up and carried off screaming by an eight foot man-like creature - a Bigfoot. A party had searched for her for several days to no avail. Everyone agreed that she would not now be found alive.
Everyone except Etherton.
He struggled on through the deep snow of the mountain slope. In addition to his heavy clothing and mountain climbing equipment, he carried a high-powered rifle. Snow swirled around him as he neared the cloud line. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of a large hairy creature with humanoid features. He raised his gun and fired. The figure fell - it had been on a ledge with hundreds of feet of nothingness below.
At the moment of the shot, thick hairy arms had closed around Etherton from behind. One huge hand took the rifle from his nerveless hands and bent it into a figure eight shape, then tossed it away.
A soft voice spoke from two feet above his head, "Be quiet, you will not be harmed". A squeak was the only sound that Etherton made in reply. He was being held so tightly that he could not look upward and backward to see what held him.

"Let me explain," said the voice. "We, whom you call Bigfoot, are human, but transmuted. A great many years ago we chanced to discover a drug that let us change physically. Letting us adapt physically to survive on the snowy slopes of this mountain where others cannot survive. We now live in other areas of the globe. Do you understand?"

Etherton, beginning to feel a return of hope of his survival, answered with a 'yes'.

"I shall explain further. Our numbers are small and we are lessening. When necessary we occasionally capture a human who ventures on the mountain slopes. We give the transmuting drug then the person undergoes a change and becomes one of us. By that means we keep up our number".

Etherton explained that he was looking for Alina, "Is she now eight feet tall and hairy?"

"She was. You just shot her. One of our number had taken her for his mate. Now you must take her place".

"I, I am a man!"

"No matter", said the voice above him. He was turned around and his face was buried against huge hairy breasts. "I am a Bigfoot Woman". Etherton was picked up and carried away by his mate.

Lazarus Species

2011-07-20T01:12:00.052-06:00

“They’re called “Lazarus species” — creatures that have disappeared, sometimes for millions of years, only to miraculously be rediscovered again in modern times. Just as Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John, so these species manage to survive.”

A Lazarus Species is a creature that has disappeared from fossil records and thought to be extinct. Only to be 'rediscovered' in fairly modern times, alive and well and breathing. A good example of a Lazarus Species is the Coelacanth - a fish that was thought to have become extinct 65 million years ago. Only to be 'rediscovered' in 1938.

Lazarus Species are not to be confused with Living Fossils. Living Fossils are creatures that have survived for thousands, sometimes even millions of years unchanged. Their species can be traced back through the millennium through fossil records. The cockroach is a good example of a Living Fossil.

Why is there no record - fossil or otherwise - of Lazarus Species? Where have they been hiding out all these millennium?

Your thoughts......

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Earth's Axis and the Weather

2011-07-19T02:44:00.000-06:00

Not sure if you are aware of the fact that the Japanese earthquake in March sped up the Earth's spin by a microsecond and tilted the axis by several inches.

Cat Tales ~ Sylvester

2011-07-18T00:51:00.042-06:00

Today Me is going to introduce you to the last of the clowder. His name is Sylvester.

He joined the group just a little over a year ago. He had been hanging around outside for awhile - never coming very close to the house. And then one day he found an open window and just came right on in!

Mommy found him all curled up by Daddy's 'puter. And Sylvester has been bestest buds with Daddy ever since.

Sylvester is a unique kitty 'cause he's got thumbs! Kitties with thumbs are also known as 'Hemingway Cats' or Polydactyl Cats.

Once he gets over his teenage "I Know It All" phase, Me's going to teach him how to use those thumbs!
Can Opener here We come!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Of String and.....

2011-07-17T01:09:00.015-06:00

The Art of Chiharu Shiota

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What do you see?

2011-07-15T01:24:00.000-06:00

You can click on the photo to enlarge it!